Shoe

ABSTRACT

An improved shoe includes an energy return heel mechanism in the heel portion of the shoe upper. The energy return heel mechanism comprises a spring lever pivotally mounted against a fulcrum. The position of the spring lever and fulcrum with respect to each other is adjustable so as to provide adjustability in the spring force. The shoe may also include a variable support insole. The sole extends outwardly beyond the shoe upper around the entire periphery of the shoe upper. The top of the heel portion is rolled backwardly and the tongue is rolled upwardly and outwardly. The shoe may come with different thickness and/or different weight soles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current shoes have many serious design problems or flaws that make them less desirable to consumers. Some of these problems relate to the difficulty in putting on a shoe. It would also be desirable if a shoe could be designed which could have beneficial effects to the wearer such as providing an energy return heel mechanism or providing improved insoles.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,110 discloses an adjustable shoe heel spring and stabilizer which includes a spring as the upper side of a U-shaped member. A fulcrum is mounted below the spring at the end of a rack which extends through a hole in the bight of the U-shaped member. A gear on the opposite of the U-shaped member engages the rack. Rotation of the gear cause the rack to move longitudinally to adjust the position of the fulcrum under the spring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to provide an improved shoe which incorporates an energy return mechanism preferably one which is adjustable for people of different weight, spring preference and activity.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable insole for such a shoe.

Other features of the invention include providing the capability of having shoes with variable thickness soles or weights and of structure which makes the shoe more comfortable and easier to put on and take off.

In accordance with this invention a shoe which could be of any type including sandals, sneakers, etc. includes a shoe upper secured to a sole. The shoe upper is provided with an energy return heel mechanism in its heel portion. The mechanism comprises a spring lever which extends into the heel portion for receiving the heel of the user. The spring lever is pivotally mounted against a fulcrum whereby the downward force from the user's heel against the lever is resisted by the lever which imparts an upward force against the user's heel. The force applied by the lever is adjustable so that the desired force can be preselected by the user.

The shoe may also incorporate an insole which provides variable support such as being inflatable and or being made of a memory foam.

Other features of the shoe may include sets of shoes having different thickness soles or different weight soles. The shoe upper may be designed to facilitate putting the shoe on or taking the shoe off by having the heel top rolled backward and having the tongue rolled upward. Comfort may be provided by forming the toe box in a squared off shape both in plan and in elevation view. Stability may be provided by dimensioning the sole so that it is peripherally wider than the shoe upper at the toe box and peripherally around the hole upper.

THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a shoe in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing such a shoe with a thicker sole;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a shoe in accordance with this invention having a rolled back heel and rolled forward tongue;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view partly in section showing a shoe in accordance with this invention with an adjustable insole;

FIGS. 5-6 are side elevational views of alternative insoles usable with this invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view showing a shoe having a widened sole in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the shoe shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view partly in section showing a shoe in accordance with this invention which includes an energy return heel mechanism;

FIGS. 10-11 are side elevational views partly in section of energy return heel mechanisms in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view partly in section of a shoe having yet another energy return heel mechanism in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 13 is a top plan view illustrating a shoe having a further energy return mechanism in accordance with this invention; and

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken through FIG. 13 along the line 14-14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to improved shoe designs, particularly to shoes which would be used in athletic workouts. The invention, however, may also be used during ordinary use of shoes. It is to be understood that the term “shoe” is used in its broadest sense and may include, for example, walking shoes, running shoes, sneakers, sandals and the like.

The present invention provides a number of distinct improvements over conventional shoe construction. Each of these improvements in itself represents a unique feature and in combination create a completely revolutionary shoe with many superior characteristics. The incorporation of these features in a shoe in its various combinations can result in a shoe which is more comfortable and can be adjusted or tuned for comfort. The shoe would be easier to put on and take off. The invention provides the user with a range of height choices for the shoe. The shoe would be roomier and would not cramp the toes and would also be more stable. The shoe returns more energy to the user during walking, running, jumping and other forms of activities. The shoe can be adjusted for heel comfort depending on weight or activity.

One of the important features of this invention is the provision in a shoe of an energy return heel mechanism. This feature in its various forms is illustrated in FIGS. 9-14. In general, this aspect of the invention provides having a lever or spring board type system that is preferably adjustable for people of different weight, spring preference and activity. The mode of adjustment should be readily accessible to the user. Such an energy return heel mechanism functions as a shock absorber mechanism for the heel. As shown in FIG. 9 the shoe 10 includes a shoe upper 12 secured to a sole 14. The shoe upper 12 has a heel portion 16 and a toe box 18. The inside of the shoe 10 is formed so as to receive an energy return heel mechanism 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 the energy return heel mechanism 20 includes a support structure such as a foam body 22, which could be soft or rigid, having an elongated slot 24 into which is inserted a spring lever 26. Lever 26 makes contact along its transverse dimension with a fulcrum 28 which could be the outer edge of slot 24. Thus, the portion of the lever 26 to the left of fulcrum 28 is embedded in body 22 and is fixed against motion. The free end of lever 26, however, is cantilevered beyond the fulcrum 28 and is exposed in the heel portion 16. When the user's heel presses downwardly against the lever 26 as in normal walking or running or jumping activities, the downward force from the heel is resisted by the spring lever which imparts an upward force against the user's heel.

In the preferred practice of this invention the upward force provided by the spring lever is adjustable so that the user can select the optimum force in accordance with the user's weight, spring preference and activity. A general approach at providing adjustability of the lever arm for the energy return heel mechanism is to vary the line of contact of the spring lever with the fulcrum. This allows the user to adjust the amount of energy return or shock absorption for personal preference or feel to take into account the user's weight and to take into account the sports or activity such as running, walking or jumping. Two basic ways of adjusting the length of the spring board or free end of the lever are to have a fixed fulcrum or a movable fulcrum. FIGS. 9-10 show a fixed fulcrum where the length of the spring board can be adjusted by the selection of a particular lever from a set of different length levers. FIG. 11 shows an alternative practice of a fixed fulcrum where the length of the spring board is adjusted by the degree of insertion of the spring board 26A into slot 24.

In the fixed fulcrum embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-10 the lever 26 is completely removable from body 22. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10 lever 26 can be withdrawn from slot 24 and a new lever can be inserted in its place having different spring characteristics and or different lengths. As shown in FIG. 10, lever 26 includes a shoulder 27 to limit how far lever can be inserted into slot 24. Alternatively or in addition, the length of slot 24 would control the position of lever 26. Spring force adjustability can be accomplished by selecting levers of different spring characteristics or different strength. Such different characteristics could result from different materials or from different dimensions (such as different thicknesses) of various levers.

FIG. 11 shows a variation for achieving adjustability by making the slot 24 sufficiently long to vary the degree of insertion of lever 26A into slot 24. This in turn varies the effective length of lever 26A as to where the lever 26A contacts the fulcrum 28. In this embodiment there could be a tight fit of lever 26A into slot 24 so that lever 26A tends to remain in whatever position it is telescopically placed.

Although FIGS. 9-11 show the lever inserted into a slot in and completely surrounded by support body 22, the slot could be in the surface of body 22 or could be a track mounted to the surface of body 22 or could be any other suitable structure for receiving and/or engaging the spring lever, including clamps, screws or other fasteners.

The preferred manner of adjusting the location of the spring lever and the fulcrum is to move the fulcrum itself. FIG. 12 illustrates one such practice of the invention. As shown therein the body 22 is provided on its upper surface with a series of notches or detents 30. The fulcrum is in the form of a pin or axle 32 of a size to be received in a selective one of these detents 30. Axle 32 would extend upwardly above detents 30 a sufficient distance that spring lever 26B would contact and pivot against axle 32 regardless of which detent 30 is used. Spring lever 26B is mounted so that one end of spring lever 26B is non-movably fixed to body 22, such as by screws or other fasteners, while the opposite end is cantilevered and free to act as a spring board. The particular length of the spring board or free end would be determined by the location of axle 32 which functions as the fulcrum. Thus if axle 32 is moved from a notch closer to the toe box 18 of shoe 10 into a notch or detent toward the heel 16 the length of the spring board (which is the length of the free end outwardly or to the right hand portion of axle 32) would be shortened. This form of adjustment is a non-continuous adjustment where only a pre-selected number of locations for the fulcrum is possible.

The invention may also be practiced where the adjustment of the fulcrum is continuous. An example of this practice of the invention is shown in FIGS. 13-14. In such practice the axle 32 which supports or is beneath the spring lever or spring board can be moved longitudinally forwardly or backwardly toward the heel to control the effective length of the spring board outwardly of the fulcrum. This form of adjustment is preferred since it is easy to use and offers a greater number of positions or adjustments to the spring lever at the heel. As shown in FIGS. 13-14 the spring lever 26C, as with the other forms of levers, is a spring board plate similar to a diving board. One end of the plate 26C is permanently secured in any suitable manner such as by fasteners 34 to the body or support portion 22 of the energy return heel mechanism 20. A track 36 is mounted to support portion 22 as best shown in FIG. 14. A set of such tracks 36,36 is located, one at each side of the shoe 10 as shown in FIG. 13. The axle 32 extends through and spans both tracks as also shown in FIG. 13. Axle 32 may be provided with any suitable locking mechanism. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates a turn knob or key insert 38 at one end of axle 32 with a nut 40 threaded onto axle 32. Axle 32 may thus be moved forwardly or backwardly in the set of tracks 36. Nut 40 would be tightened to hold axle 32 in place. Other suitable locking mechanisms may also be used.

Tracks 36 and axle 32 may include such structure as a rack and pinion structure to facilitate the axle movement. Axle 32 may be of smooth outer surface where it rides in tracks 36 and then held in place by a tightening of nut 40.

Tracks 36 may be structured with regard to axle 32 so that the axle moves in tracks 36 by a simple rolling action and then would be locked in place, or where there is sufficient friction between the axle and track the friction holds the axle in place such that a force is required to cause the axle to move, or the axle and track may have interengaging teeth which facilitates the movement.

The various forms of energy return heel mechanisms described above thus permit the user to customize or personalize the type of spring action which is achieved. The specific energy return heel mechanism used could be mounted in the shoe in any suitable manner. For example, the mechanism could be permanently mounted in the shoe and the shoe could be modified so that the manner of adjustment extends externally of the shoe. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates the end of the axle to have a finger turning knob 38 mounted externally of the shoe. Alternatively, the energy return heel mechanism could be a unit detachably mounted inside the shoe. The user would then be able to remove the unit, make the desired adjustment and replace the unit back into the shoe. Similarly in each embodiment of the invention, the energy return heel mechanism may be permanently mounted inside the shoe or may be a detachable unit.

The practice of the invention shown in FIGS. 13-14 advantageously adjusts the position of the fulcrum or axle 32 by manipulating the axle itself. Preferably, the axle 32 is of arcuate, such as oval or circular, cross section so that the cantilevered free end of the lever pivots or rolls against an arcuate surface. The pair of spaced tracks 36 also advantageously provides support for axle 32 at two different locations. Use is also made of a plate as the spring board lever which also simplifies the structure.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of variable sole thickness to give the user a way of choosing the height and look of the shoe. In addition, generally the thicker the sole the more comfortable the shoe. FIGS. 1-2 illustrate two shoes 10 from a set of shoes where the sole 14A of one shoe (FIG. 2) is thicker than the sole 14 of the shoe of FIG. 1. The provision of a set of shoes which are otherwise the same except for the thickness of the sole introduces another variable available to a user in shoe selection to select the optimum shoe. By having variable sole thicknesses the user is able to select a proper shoe having the desired length, width and height (sole thickness). The shoes of a set may differentiate from each other using any suitable coding system. For example, a numeric code may be used to differentiate different lengths. An alphabetic code may be used to differentiate different widths and a numeric code such as in inches or meters may be used to differentiate a different sole thickness.

The feature of a shoe having a rolled back upper heel portion is also disclosed in my copending application Ser. No. 10/125,219 filed Apr. 18, 2002, all of the details of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

The ability for the user to select different sole thickness also permits the user to appear taller where shoes with a thicker sole are selected. This differs from the prior “elevator shoe” practices where the added thickness was concealed within (i.e. on the inside of) the shoe. This aspect of the invention represents a different manner of manufacturing and marketing shoes where the consumer not only selects the width and length, but also height or appearance by selection of a particular sole thickness. As later described, the consumer can also specify a particular weight when selecting a pair of shoes from sets of shoes.

A further feature of the invention similar to that of FIGS. 1-2 is to provide a set of shoes differing in the weight of the soles. Generally, it is preferable that the weight of the shoes should be minimized. However, there are occasions where it is desirable that the shoes should be heavier such as for protection or for certain types of activities or exercises. The invention provides for specifying the weight of the shoe through its sole by the proper selection of the materials used. A set of shoes similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have the shoes differ from each other not only in the thickness of the soles but also in the amount of weight imparted by different soles. Such differences could be reflected by a coding system based on color, alphanumeric or other means of identification including H for heavy, M for medium and L for light.

FIG. 3 illustrates further features of this invention which are particularly intended to facilitate the user putting on or taking off the shoe 10. As shown therein sole 14B could include an arch support section between the toe box 18 and the heel portion 16. The heel portion 16 is preferably padded. In accordance with this invention the top 42 of the heel rolls backwardly to create a type of chute to facilitate the shoe 10 being slipped on and off. This slip on/off feature is very desirable particularly for shoes which do not have to be laced or unlaced. Conventional heel top construction does not lend itself to putting on the shoe, frequently requiring the use of a shoe horn. Without the use of a shoe horn, almost all shoes will buckle at the top of the heel when the foot is forced into the shoe.

To further facilitate the user inserting the foot into the shoe 10, the tongue 44 is rolled upwardly and outwardly thereby cooperating with the rolled back heel top 42.

A further feature of this invention is the optional provision of an insole which provides adjustable support for the foot. Variations of this feature are illustrated in FIGS. 4-6. Conventional insoles are not adjustable and consist of pads of varying thickness and made from various materials such as gel, rubber, plastic, foam, etc. FIGS. 4-6 illustrate a feature of the invention utilizing the variable support insole 46. As shown in FIG. 4 insole 46 is made in the form of one or more compartments or pockets 50 sealed from each other by dividers 52. The pocket(s) can be inflated or deflated so as to provide an air pillow for the foot.

As illustrated in FIG. 5 the insole 46 is in the form of a single pocket 50 having a valve 48 which could be of any suitable known form. For example, valve 48 could be pulled outwardly and upwardly to its open position thereby permitting air to be blown or pumped in, or to permit air within the pocket 50 to escape from the pocket thereby deflating the pocket to the desired degree. When the valve 48 would be pushed downwardly and inwardly the valve would be closed thereby sealing the pocket 50. As a result, the user could adjust the thickness of the insoles easily for comfort and for fit. Further, the user would not have to purchase insoles of varying thickness since one insole could be adjusted easily and quickly to the desired thickness.

Although FIG. 5 illustrates the insole to be in the form of a single pocket which covers substantially the entire foot support area, the insole could have a plurality of pockets 50 separated from each other in any suitable manner such as by dividers or membranes 52 to create any number of individual pockets or sections for the inflatable insole. Each of the pockets may be provided with its own valve 48 or with any other suitable structure for permitting the inflation/deflation of each pocket independently of the others. A single pocket form, however, is preferred because it permits the air to flex with the foot and move forwardly, backwardly and sideways as pressure is applied by the foot.

The inflation/deflation of the one or more pockets could be accomplished in any suitable manner such as by blowing through the valve in which case the valve could have a small stem to be engaged by the mouth. The insole could be permanently fastened to the inside of the shoe. Preferably, however, the insole is removable or detachable to permit different insoles to be inserted and/or replaced and to facilitate access to the inflation/deflation structure or valves.

Although the inflatable insole is preferably inflated/deflated through the use of air any suitable fluid or gas may be used including the insertion of pellets into a pocket which expand under heat or pressure.

An alternative form of variable support insole is illustrated in FIG. 6 wherein the insole 46 includes or is made completely from a conventional elasto-viscous foam material known as a memory foam as is conventionally used in mattresses. Such memory foam material would contour to the foot and give superior support. FIG. 5 illustrates a combination of the memory foam material 54 and the inflatable pocket concept 50. As shown therein such memory foam material could be placed solely on the upper surface of each pocket 50 or could completely surround each pocket 50. This combination of an insole which is both inflatable and has a memory foam material produces a particularly good feeling insole that would give better support to the foot.

One of the great design flaws of conventional shoes is that such shoes often taper downwardly and sometimes inwardly coming to a point at the front. This causes the toe box to be narrow and to cramp the foot/toes. Also, the outsole is barely wider than the toe box of the shoe upper making it easy to roll over the foot and twist the ankle. These problems are addressed by the features shown in FIGS. 7-8. As illustrated therein the sole 14 is wider than the toe box and the entire shoe upper so that the shoe has more balance and less tendency to turn thereby being more stable. FIG. 7, for example, illustrates sole 14 to extend laterally beyond upper 12 along the entire periphery of the shoe. Sole 14 may extend outwardly any suitable distance to provide sufficient stability. For example, sole 14 may extend outwardly at least one half inch from the line of joining or contact of sole 14 with shoe upper 12. If desired, larger dimensions such as at least one inch or one and one-half inch may also be used for the extent that sole 14 extends outwardly from its line of contact or juncture 56 with shoe upper 12.

The toe box 18 could also be modified to provide greater comfort to the toes. For example, some or all of the upper portion of the toe box could be made of a flexible elastic or stretchable material located above one or more (up to all) of the toes. The inner portion at the top of the toe box could also include padding or be made of material to cushion or to conform to the toes below that material. Examples of such material are an air bubble, an inflatable pocket or simply a soft foam.

A further modification of shoe 10 shown in FIGS. 7-8 is that the shoe, particularly at the toe box, is generally wider and taller to provide more space both horizontally and vertically for the feet. This is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 where the toe box 18 is shown to be of generally squared off shape in both the plan and elevation views in that the front wall of toe box 18 is generally vertical and the toe box then gradually moves upwardly (elevation view of FIG. 8), while the front wall is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shoe 10 (plan view of FIG. 7). By making the toe box wider and taller the shoe accommodates the growth of the user such as by the user wearing thicker socks or layers of socks with more cushion and also accommodates insoles of various thickness as well as adjustable insoles.

As should be apparent the present invention involves the utilization of various features which enhance shoe structure. Such features, particularly when in various combinations with each other, result in an improved shoe design offering superior characteristics over conventional shoe construction. 

1. An improved shoe comprising a shoe upper secured to a sole, said shoe upper having a heel portion, an energy return heel mechanism in said heel portion, said mechanism comprising a spring lever having a cantilevered free end extending into said heel portion for receiving the heel of the user, said spring lever being pivotally mounted against a fulcrum whereby the downward force from the user's heel against said lever is resisted by said lever which imparts an upward force against the user's heel, and said force applied by said lever being adjustable.
 2. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said force applied by said lever is adjustable by adjusting the location of said lever with respect to said fulcrum, said fulcrum being mounted in a fixed location, and said lever being movable to adjust the effective length of said free end.
 3. The shoe of claim 2 wherein said energy return heel mechanism includes a support body having an elongated slot, and said lever being telescopically mounted in said slot to vary the extent of springiness of said lever in accordance with the degree to which said lever is inserted in said slot.
 4. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said force applied by said lever is adjustable by adjusting the location of said fulcrum with respect to said lever, said lever being mounted in a fixed position, said fulcrum being movable to adjust its location of contact with said lever, said fulcrum being movable selectively to one of a plurality of preset positions, said energy return heel mechanism including a support body, a plurality of detents being located in an exposed upper surface of said support body at said preset positions, and said fulcrum comprising an elongated axle detachably mountable in said detents to control the location of said fulcrum.
 5. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said force applied by said lever is adjustable by adjusting the location of said fulcrum with respect to said lever, said energy return heel mechanism including a pair of spaced tracks, said fulcrum comprising an elongated axle mounted in and spanning said tracks to permit said fulcrum to be movable to various positions by moving said axle in said tracks.
 6. The shoe of claim 5 including locking structure for selectively locking said fulcrum in a fixed position.
 7. The shoe of claim 5 wherein said lever is in the form of a spring board plate having a fixed end located forwardly of said free end and mounted to a support body, and said fulcrum being an elongated axle of arcuate cross section mounted between said fixed end and said free end of said plate.
 8. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said spring lever is detachably mounted as part of said energy return heel mechanism whereby said spring lever may be detached and replaced by a further spring lever having different spring characteristics to permit said force applied by said lever to be adjustable.
 9. The shoe of claim 1 including a variable support insole mounted in said shoe above said sole, said insole having an inflatable/deflatable pocket which covers substantially the entire foot support area of said insole, and a valve in communication with said pocket to permit said pocket to be selectively inflated and deflated.
 10. The shoe of claim 1 including a variable support insole mounted in said shoe above said sole, said insole including a plurality of individual pockets sealed from each other, and each of said pockets including its own valve for the selective inflation and deflation of said pocket.
 11. The shoe of claim 1 including a variable support insole mounted in said shoe above said sole, said insole having at least one inflatable/deflatable pocket, and a memory foam mounted above said at least one pocket.
 12. The shoe of claim 1 including a variable support insole mounted in said shoe above said sole, and said insole being made from a memory foam to conform to the user's foot.
 13. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said sole is peripherally wider than said shoe upper, said shoe upper including a toe box having a front wall which is generally vertical and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shoe.
 14. The shoe of claim 1 wherein said heel includes a top which is rolled backward, and said shoe upper including a tongue which is rolled upward and outward.
 15. The shoe of claim 1 in combination therewith a set of said shoes differing from each other in sole thickness.
 16. An improved shoe comprising a shoe upper secured to a sole, an insole mounted within said shoe upper above said sole, said insole having at least one pocket which is selectively inflatable and deflatable to provide variable support for the user's foot, and a valve associated with each pocket to permit the user to selectively inflate and deflate said pocket.
 17. The shoe of claim 16 including memory foam disposed above said pocket.
 18. The shoe of claim 16 wherein said sole is peripherally wider than said shoe upper, said shoe upper including a toe box having a front wall which is generally vertical and is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said shoe, said shoe upper including a heel portion having a top rolled backwardly, and said shoe upper including a tongue rolled upwardly and outwardly.
 19. In a method of marketing shoes comprising providing a set of shoes wherein pairs of the shoes within the set differ from other pairs by sole thickness, and the consumer selecting a pair of shoes from the set by specifying the sole thickness of the desired pair of shoes.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the consumer additionally specifies the length and width of the desired pair of shoes and also specifies the weight of the desired pair of shoes. 